diff --git a/embeds/client-examples/node/Dockerfile b/embeds/client-examples/node/Dockerfile
index 9cf3d25b..ce165dc8 100644
--- a/embeds/client-examples/node/Dockerfile
+++ b/embeds/client-examples/node/Dockerfile
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-FROM node:18
+FROM node:16
 
 # Run as the `fluvio` user instead of root
 ENV USER=fluvio